The Grammaring Guide to English Grammar with Exercises

Exercises: indirect speech

Indirect speech - Exercise 1

Fill in each gap with the appropriate form of say, tell or ask.

When I asked him about the debt, he didn't ... a word.

Can you ... me what happened?

Jasmine ... she would be back soon.

I ... Mia if she wanted to join us.

Did they ... what time the ceremony began?

You mustn't ... lies. You must always ... the truth.

Could you ... it a bit louder? I can't hear well.

Linda ... to me that she was sorry.

Why did you ... what my blood type was?

You mustn't ... anyone that you've spoken to me.

Indirect speech - Exercise 2

Turn the following direct questions into indirect ones, beginning as shown.

Why is he shouting?

I have no idea ...

Does Carol like chocolate?

Do you know ...

Did I tell you about the decision?

I can't remember ...

How much is that coat?

Why don't you ask the shop assistant ...

What does this word mean?

Who can tell me ...

Who wrote War and Peace?

I can't remember ...

Where did she find cranberries in January?

I wonder ...

What's the purpose of your visit?

May I ask you ...

Is there a bank near here?

Could you tell me ...

Where does he live?

I wish I knew ...

Indirect speech - Exercise 3

Decide if the following sentences are correct or incorrect.

Sarah admitted to break the Ming vase.

Can you tell me what are you doing here?

The secretary told me to fill in the form.

Paul said he will arrive the following day.

Why didn't Andy agree to pick up the kids after school?

Don't worry. I didn't say him anything.

She should apologise for ruining your holiday plans.

Do you know why I said that?

The professor didn't remember we met earlier.

David was accused for shoplifting.

Indirect speech - Exercise 4

Rewrite each sentence, beginning as shown, so that the meaning stays the same.

"Where do I have to write my client number?" I asked the operator.

I asked the operator ...

Eric said that we had passed that same road sign two hours earlier.

Eric said, "...

The patient said, "I am not taking any medications now."

The patient said that ...

"I last spoke to Matt yesterday," she said.

She told me that ...

They told me they might be late.

They said, " ...

"Have you ever been to Denmark?" Niels asked.

Niels asked me ...

"I can't come tonight," he said.

He said ...

I asked Matteo what he was doing there on his own.

I asked, "Matteo, ...

"Shall we meet here tomorrow?" she asked the team.

She said ...

Mike said he would call me back the following week.

Mike said, "...

Indirect speech - Exercise 5

Turn the following direct questions into indirect ones, beginning as shown. Ask your partner.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Can I ask you ...

Is there a good restaurant near where you live?

Do you know ...

What's the time?

Could you tell me ...

Where did you buy your shoes?

Do you mind if I ask ...

Do you go to the gym regularly?

Can I ask you ...

What are your five favourite movies?

Can you tell me ...

Which area of grammar is the most difficult for you?

Would you mind telling me ...

How long have you been learning English?

Do you remember ...

When is your birthday?

Will you tell me ...

Can you play chess?

I wonder ...